Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Colombia expanded steadily, reaching 2 206 thousand tons by 2020. This growth was supported by government storage subsidies that encouraged production, alongside public investment in the construction and modernization of rice mills which increased processing capacity. Changing consumer habits towards healthier foods, including whole-grain rice, and the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened focus on securing national supply, further stimulated demand during this period.

The market experienced a sharp contraction in 2021, with volume dropping to 1 547 thousand tons as both domestic production and imports fell substantially.

Recovery began in 2022 and continued into 2023, with the market reaching 1 745 thousand tons. This rebound was fueled by continued government subsidies, including direct support to farmers, and ongoing public investment in mill infrastructure. Additionally, Resolution 101 of 2022 defined the maximum size of agricultural production units for small cereal growers, providing regulatory clarity. Sustained changes in consumption habits and increased disposable income also contributed to the market's gradual growth.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Colombia ranked as the 18th largest producer of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Colombia's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 107 K t, marking a 14.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 779 K t, with the largest decline that year of 8.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Colombia

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 414-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Colombia's export volume of semi-milled or wholly milled rice reached 2.0 K t, representing a dramatic year-over-year surge of 38 158.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 K t, accompanied by the largest decline that year of 99.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Colombia's exports in kind were Free Zones, accounting for 36.3% of exports, Haiti with 33.6%, and Venezuela at 28.0%. Together, these three markets made up 97.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. The highest export value was observed in 2020, while the lowest was in 2019, showing a 351-fold gap between them. In 2020, Colombia's export value of semi-milled or wholly milled rice amounted to 1 782 K $ US, reflecting a steep year-over-year increase of 35 028.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 K $ US, with the largest decline that year of 99.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for Colombia's exports in value terms were Venezuela with 33.1%, Haiti at 32.7%, and Free Zones accounting for 30.3%. Collectively, these three markets represented 96.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020

Imports semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Colombia

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports varied, with a 1.8-fold difference from the peak in 2019 to the trough in 2018. In 2020, Colombia's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice amounted to 101.2 K t, a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 57.9 K t, with the largest decline that year of 15.6%. The maximum volume was in 2019 at 102.4 K t, which saw the largest increase of 76.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the primary sources for Colombia's imports in kind were the United States, representing 42.8% of imports, Ecuador at 31.5%, and Peru with 24.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 99.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Colombia's imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 73 907 K $ US, up 19.3% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 52.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 15.0%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 36 740 K $ US, with the largest decline that year of 24.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 68.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the top suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Colombia in value terms were the United States with 42.1%, Ecuador at 32.0%, and Peru accounting for 24.6%. Their combined share reached 98.7% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020